I have so many favorite scents right now. Summer scents are my favorite and luckily I live in Florida where it feels like summer all year round!
I have tried several new brands and perfumes from samplers this year, including Parfums de Marly, Kilian, Ex Nihilio, Giardini di Toscana, Valentino. I went down a rabbit hole of wanting to try more and more after watching some perfume YouTubers. There are so many options out there and I have to say that finding a few like-minded experts is extremely helpful in navigating the world of fragrances.
There are so many amazing options for every mood, but I’ve found that most on my current list are still tried and true. I have divided my favorites by type. I’ll also rank my top 5 wears at the end.
The best holiday scents in a bottle
Creed Virgin Island Water
Creed Virgin Island Water ($345 – $470, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue) remains at the top of my list for the ultimate tropical scent. There is nothing like it. It has the perfect combination of freshness, tropical fruits and coconut. It is well balanced, unique and smells expensive. If you haven’t checked them out refillable vaporizers I highly recommend them. They are so pretty and you can refill them with any scent.
NOTES: lime, bergamot, tropical fruits, coconut milk, coconut water, jasmine, white flowers, tonka bean and white musk
Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc
Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc ($155 to $235 Nordstrom, Sephora, Ulta Beauty) will also always be at the top of my list. I trade this or the original Soleil Blanc. It’s fresh with a beautiful coco de mer + coconut vibe. I know some of you don’t like the lighter Eau de Soleil Blanc version and prefer only the original Soleil Blanc. They feel very similar on my skin with my current favorite being noticeably lighter and fresher.
Eau de Soleil Blanc Notes: Coco de Mer, Ylang Ylang from the island of Comores, Bergamot flower
Kilian Sunkissed Goddess
NOTES: Ylang-ylang essence, tiare flower, coconut
Kilian Sunkissed Goddess ($295, Nordstrom, Sephora, Saks Fifth Avenue) was a spring purchase and I think it was 100% worth the hype. It’s been several years since I’ve tried anything from Kilian. I bought a sample set and each one is very different and unique from what I’ve smelled on other brands. There are so many beautiful hangouts, but they didn’t really fit my personality. I think I might revisit them later in the year. I fell in love with Sunkissed Goddess. It’s a holiday in a bottle, a similar vibe to Tom Ford, but Kilian has stronger floral notes.
Vacation Inc.
NOTES: Petitgrain Essence, Coconut Water, Coconut Milk, Bergamot, Sun Musk, Banana, Pineapple, Pool Water, Lycra Swimwear, Sea Salt
Vacation Inc. Eau de Toilette ($60, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty and in a Price total in the Nordstrom) is the ultimate summer pool scent. I don’t know if it’s for everyone but it smells like summer. It has that summer sun vibe that is so unique and fun.
Fresh, rich fruit
Parfums de Marly Meliora
NOTES: Red berries, raspberry, lemon essence, rose, ylang-ylang, jasmine tea, vanilla, musk, cedar
Parfums de Marly Meliora ($375, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus) was my first from Parfums de Marly. I finally tried the line this year with a sample set and I was blown away. It is definitely in my top 3 for all perfume brands. I have so many on my wish list of mini samples that I have accumulated from a few orders now. I chose Meliora as my first, which is very different from what I usually wear. I’m not really into fruity sweet fragrances but this is just beautiful.
Dioriviera
NOTES: Rose and fig
Dioriviera Eau de Parfum ($150 to $450, Dior Beauty) is still a favorite. I’ve talked about fig scents before and while I love it in candle form, it’s hard for me to find one that has the right blend to wear. Dioriviera is the best because it has some floral rose notes mixed in. It is very strong, fresh, crisp but at the same time warm. Very unique and gives you the feeling of being on a fancy holiday. Selected fragrances from the La Collection Privee Line are now also available at a Travel Spray Trio.
Phlur Father Figure
NOTES: Water Lily, Rich Fig, Cassis Buds, Iris Root, Iris Flower, Jasmine Dew, Leather Musks, Madagascar Vanilla, Patchouli Leaves, Sandalwood
Phlur Father Figure ($99 at Sephora, travel size for $29) is another beautiful fig scent. I think this could be a unisex option. It has a beautiful blend of rich fig with some woody notes. I don’t know that most people would call it a summer fragrance, but I think it’s one that you can wear all year round.
Citrus Lover Perfumes
I’m an absolute citrus lover for that crisp feeling you get with the citrus notes. These are my tried and true favorites that smell fresh without being too soapy (if that makes sense).
Celine Parade
NOTES: Bergamot, Neroli, Vetiver, Musk and Oakmoss
Celine Parade it is my most worn perfume. I have to tell myself to take a break from it every now and then to mix it up. I think it’s so underrated. It is fresh with intense notes of bergamot and vetiver. The added musk makes it soft while the moss adds a little green feel. Lasting power is strong on me. This one is a bit harder to find as you can only find it in Celine boutiques and online. They offer a Set Discovery Sampler and one Miniatures Discovery Set if you can’t get to a store to try them on in person.
Chanel Paris-Biarritz
NOTES: grapefruit, mandarin, lily of the valley accord, vetiver and white musk
Chanel Paris-Biarritz Eau de Toilette ($113 to $150, Chanel) is my second most worn perfume. It’s been a toy for years. I like this one for the soft citrus blend. It’s light, so if you need something really strong, it’ll probably be too light for you.
Chanel Paris-Riviera
NOTES: Sicilian Orange, Petitgrain, Jasmine, Neroli, Sandalwood and Musk
Chanel Paris-Riviera Eau de Toilette it is a slightly stronger and more intense variant of Paris-Biarritz. It’s more citrusy and crisp. This is another one I really love.
Fresh and timeless
Parfums de Marly Valaya
NOTES: Bergamot, Mandarin, White Peach, Orange Blossom, Nymph, Vetiver, Akigalawood, Ambrofix, Musk
Parfums de Marly Valaya ($220 to $375) is my newest discovery and I’m obsessed with it. I know calves can be hit or miss for many of you. I like this one for the classic clean and crisp feel. The combination of bergamot and vetiver adds freshness to it. I also threw in the smaller size even though it’s incredibly expensive. We still have trips planned, so now I have the youngest to bring with me.
Creed Aventus for Her
NOTES: Egyptian Green Apple, Pink Berries, Indonesian Patchouli, Italian Bergamot, Bulgarian Rose, Turkish Rose, Indian Sandalwood, Styrax, Musk, Sweet Peach, Cassia, Lilac, Amber, Ylang-Ylang
Creed’s Aventus for Her ($300 to $445, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Sax) is as classic and timeless as it gets. It is floral, green and fruity. The apple adds a unique fresh touch while the rose gives it a feminine touch. Also available in a 3 Piece Travel Set and Travel Discovery 5 piece set.
Chanel No 5 L’Eau
NOTES: Lemon, mandarin, orange, rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, vetiver, cedar, musk
Chanel No 5 L’Eau ($155, Chanel.com) is not a new fragrance, but Chanel released it in a limited edition drop box. It’s nice and crispy. It’s clean and sharp and very powerful.
Phlur Missing
NOTES: Leather Musk, Bergamot Nectar, Pure Jasmine, Fresh Cyclamen, Neroli Blossom, Orange Blossom, Australian Sandalwood Oil, Blonde Wood, White Musk
Phlur Missing ($99 in Sephora) is not really a summer fragrance but I think it is timeless and can be worn all year round. I like this for the warm and cozy feel. It’s like leather but better. I own it in both the body oil and the hand cream. It’s a solid win.
Byredo Mojave Ghost
NOTES: Ambrette, Jamaica Nesberry, Violet, Sandalwood, Magnolia, Chantilly Musk, Crisp Amber, Cedarwood
I’ve been neglecting Byredo this summer, but I’m off Mojave Ghost ($225 to $320) again and I love it. It’s another clean crisp scent with a bit of sweetness. It is very unique and special. Soft but still a bit sharp with the crunchy feel. If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend checking it out discovery sets. They recently released one Alcohol Free Mojave Ghost Edition in the largest size. I haven’t checked it out, but it will be interesting to smell it in person!
My 5 most worn perfumes this summer: Parfums de Marly Valaya, Creed Virgin Island Water, Chanel Paris-Biarritz, Kilian Sunkissed Goddess and Celine Parade.
What are your summer scents this year? How many perfumes have you added to your collection this year?
